A Tail of Sherwood, Chapter One: The Outlaw

It had probably been five years or more since I’d seen Robin last. And the last time I had seen him, it had only been from a distance. I remember him standing on the top of the wall that surrounded Nottingham, his tail waving forlornly in the wind as I rode away in my father’s carriage on my way to London town.

Now, after five years in the city, having learned all that anyone dared teach me about deportment and dancing and dangling my dowry before dowdy old dukes, I was back. Finally back home in Nottingham after so long away.

Actually, I had been back nearly a fortnight before I saw Robin again. But on the first clear morning of the spring, my lady’s maid and I were out browsing the market for anything interesting—and there he was.

He’d grown taller since I’d seen him last, and his fur had come in a nice russet color. His tail was bushy and full, his ears were pricked with interest at whatever it was the baker was saying to him, and his bright eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

To be honest, he looked just like I’d imagined he might.

Smoothing my skirt with a dainty paw, I smiled at my lady’s maid.

“Carlotta,” I said sweetly. “I’m getting a bit parched, dear. Would you mind getting me a pint of cider from the tavern?” I handed her a silver bit. “I’ll just wait on that bench over there.”

She curtsied, and hurried off, weaving through the crowd toward the sign of the Brindled Bard. It was three streets over, so I’d have plenty of time.

I pretended to be idly perusing the stalls as I made my way toward where Robin stood, approaching from behind. Pausing to glance over a selection of woolen scarves—their prices marked down now that warm weather was here—I planned my first words.

He didn’t see me coming, continuing his conversation with the baker, though the words were far too low for me to hear in the chaotic bustle and murmur of the marketplace.

“Robert Locksley,” I said, when I stood close enough that he could hear my voice.

Without turning, he answered, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been called Robert.” His baker friend winked at me and went back into his stall, leaving us alone—or as alone as one could be in the middle of a busy market.

Robin turned around, and a great smile stretched across his face. “Lady Marian. It’s been too long.”

He grimaced. “If you mean that I’ve taken to living in the woods, hunting the king’s birds and generally making a nuisance of myself to those who claim to enforce the king’s law…well, then yes. I suppose that’s true.” He grinned at me, and made a show of taking in my tailored dress and fine boots. “It would seem, my lady, that you have been engaged in very different exploits.”

I flushed. “I’m a noblewoman, Rob,” I said archly. “I can’t always be running barepawed through the greenwood, leaping from tree to tree like we used to.”

He nodded, a sudden sadness in his eyes. “Those were the days, were they not?” Then he shook himself. “Ah, but what am I thinking, making you stand here in the hot sun? Would you care for a cinnamon bun and a mug of cider? The Sherriff’s Sword—despite its ill-sounding name—has a nice lunch board.”

I glanced over the heads of passerby in search of Carlotta’s head. “Well, my maid just went to fetch me some cider, actually…Oh. There she is.” And wouldn’t I get a telling off later too, if she told Madam Pence that I had been talking with a strange squirrel—and alone!

Robin spotted her as well. “Very well, I will treat you both. Will you consent?”

Carlotta met my gaze and hurried over, a disapproving frown between her eyes, her tail stiff with righteous indignation. I straightened. Robin was an old friend—there was nothing wrong with eating lunch with an old friend.

I blinked at him, somewhat confused. But he shot me a quelling look, so I pushed aside my questions and nodded at Carlotta. “Robert—that is, Robin—is an old friend of my family. He has kindly asked us to join him for lunch, and I have agreed.”

Carlotta gave Robin a long look, taking in his fine—if somewhat out of date—clothes and his friendly face. It probably didn’t hurt matters any that Robin wasn’t hard on the eyes, either. After a moment, she nodded, and I gave a silent sigh of relief. She wouldn’t be tattling on me yet anyway.

Taking Robin’s proffered arm, I stepped out into the street, feeling more at home than I’d felt in five years.

I like it :) generally I don't read stories in which the main characters are animals (I have issues with over-personification. It bothers me, lol.) but this one is well written and isn't cheesy, so I will be okay. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

I read redwall as well, so, yes, I love the squirrel thing. Are they all squirrels? A very good take on Robin Hood. I have read the book several times for lack of anything better to read. Not to make you give up your ending, but in the book, Robin dies. Will your squirrel Robin die as well?

I'm gonna like this. I've never, ever, in my entire life, liked a story with talking animals. But I definitely like this. AND I have a question - have you ever read The Outlaws of Sherwood, by Robin McKinley?

When I first came to the references of "paw," "fir" and "tail" I was sure he was a fox and you were adapting this from the disney version. Then when it turned out he was a squirrel, I had to totally reimagine everything.

Well, I love animal stories, and I ADORE Robin Hood. So, I decided I wanted to to a combo, but since Disney had already stolen the whole fox thing, I had to pick something else. Squirrels seemed the next-best option.

As for the Outlaws of Sherwood, no I haven't. But I'm going to see if I can find it to read...it looks pretty good.